Fest features Gandolfini and a new McQueen in “Club Soda”
By Jeffrey Jolson

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HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 4/13/07 — The Beverly Hills Film Festival kicked off its seventh year with the world premiere of “Club Soda” starring “The Sopranos” James Gandolfini, Lou Gossett Jr. (“Lackawanna Blues”) and newcomer Steve R. McQueen, grandson of Steve McQueen. He apparently inherited some of the charm if the attention lavished upon the 19-year-old “Everwood” actor on the red carpet was any indication.

The short was written and directed by Paul Carafotes (an actor in “All the Right Moves” and “Fight Club” and part of the five-day indie international competition that organizers claim attracts 15,000 attendees, though it didn’t seem like it. The opening night party was far from full, though that may have been caused by the zealous doormen who let some groups in while claiming capacity to many listed guests.

BHFF says it is designed to bridge the world of premiere independent cinema with the city of Beverly Hills for five days of screenings, worldwide evening premieres, poolside celebrity panels, special events, seminars, VIP after parties and deal making.